Sign the Petition

“I am concerned a conviction may lead to a dangerous new precedent for the harsh treatment of climate defenders in the country” - Mary Lawlor, UN special rapporteur on human rights defenders

One year ago, on October 22 2024, Jacob Pirro and Olivier Huard, supporters of Last Generation Canada and Antigone Collective, climbed Montreal's Jacques Cartier Bridge. This action led to the bridge being shut down for 7 hours. The pair took this peaceful action to raise the alarm on the climate crisis. The crisis continues to burn homes, destroy lives and threaten our very existence. 

This action led to the incarceration of Jacob for 7 days, and 9 days for Oli. Since then, the pair have been charged with mischief and obstructing the police. The fight against this incarceration and legal aftermath has been costly. Legal costs already amount to almost $40,000. 

The crown is pushing for unprecedented penalties for these courageous people - the pair are facing a maximum of 2 years of jail time. These sentences would set a terrifying precedent for any future peaceful protest. It's a brutal attack on our democratic rights.  You should know that in this process, the courts have been abusive.  They have prioritized the repression of peaceful defenders of our future, over those who are responsible for the decimation of it. 

Will you sign today to defend Jacob and Oli? Will you help spare them lengthy house arrests?  Will you help protect our rights - your right- to peaceful protests against the damage to our climate, to the threat to our children’s future?  

Olivier and Jacob have already had their charter rights infringed upon. They were denied bail for over a week. They were forced to choose between repressive and illegal conditions and freedom. And now they’ve been denied a right to have a trial by jury! Both have clearly been politically profiled in this situation. 

This is why the legal team is currently pursuing an abuse of process proceeding on Dec 8th and 9th this winter - to get these charges thrown out and to protect peaceful protest. The courts think they can get away with extorting peaceful protesters. We can’t let this happen - and that’s why we need your help - please sign this petition, share, and donate.